iPhone data speeds: Vodafone vs 3 Mobile

As mentioned on the last Update, I’m weighing up my options for a move to iPhone. I do more with data than phone calls, so I’m trying to find the price-performance sweet spot with a focus on wireless broadband.

In the local market, I’ve ruled out Telstra for being too expensive and being too proud to officially support tethering. Yes, I can DIY it, but it could end up being a battle if future updates stop unofficial tethering usage. I’ve also ruled out Optus (and therefore Virgin) after hearing too many horror stories around the reliability of their data network. I hear it might be getting better, but I want a lot more good stories before I head over there.

So that leaves 3 Mobile and Vodafone. Of course, that’s the same company now, but it’s still two different networks. Both have pretty good price balance and fairly good data bundles. 3 has more data for less money, but they’re close enough for me to decide based on performance at this point.

So who has the best data mojo? I toured the Sydney CBD and North Sydney last week, banging out tests concurrently on two iPhones (using the Speedtest.net App) to see who gave the best overall performance across the main areas I spend my worklife. I ran 38 tests in areas like Ultimo, Haymarket, George St, Martin Place, Pitt St Mall, Wynyard, The Rocks, Harbour Bridge, North Sydney, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Artarmon, and Lane Cove.

There was one factor that was not totally equal. Vodafone was running on an iPhone 3G, and 3 on a 3GS. I’m not entirely sure what major advantages or disadvantages this would account for, but with that up for debate, let’s hit the results:

Net result? Vodafone was soundly faster than 3 across the board, both up and down. Another interesting stat is the number of tests where each network delivered good performance. Vodafone tested in the 1000-1500 range 8 times, 1500-2000 2 times, and 2000+ 5 times (max 2768). 3 pushed into 1000-1500 territory 4 times, 1500-2000 1 time, and 2000+ 1 time (max 2031).

There’s always a chance the hardware played a significant role. But I’ll get a chance to do some superficial comparison soon, as I’ve just received a Vodafone iPhone 3GS for more testing, so while I won’t be operating in parallel again I will be able to see if issues like that abominable ping related to the older hardware.

Below you will find a table of all raw results, if you’re so inclined to do your own analysis. Each row matches the testing as conducted at the same timing at the same location. Enjoy!